Carton, blank therefor and package with collapsible pocket

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the invention relate to a carton ( 90 ) for packaging one or more articles and a blank ( 10 ) for forming the carton ( 90 ). The carton ( 90 ) has a plurality of panels defining walls ( 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 ) of a chamber for receiving at least one article (A), the plurality of panels comprising a first panel ( 12 ) and a second panel ( 20 ) disposed in an overlapping relationship to form a first wall ( 12/20 ) of the carton ( 90 ), the carton ( 90 ) comprising a collapsible pocket (P) comprising a plurality of pocket walls including a front wall ( 30 ), opposing side walls ( 32, 34 ), a base wall ( 36 ) and a rear wall ( 20 ), at least one of plurality of pocket walls ( 30 ) being coupled to one ( 12 ) of the first and second panels ( 12, 20 ) by a frangible connection ( 29   a ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a consumer package comprising acollapsible pocket feature that enables the package to be expanded inorder to increase the load space of the package.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers witha package comprising multiple primary product containers. Suchmulti-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and forthe display of promotional information.

For cost and environmental considerations, it is preferable if suchcartons are formed from as little material as possible and cause aslittle wastage as possible in the materials from which they are formed.Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and itssuitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

In the packaging industry automatic, high-speed processing of the blanksthat form the cartons, part-formed cartons and filled cartons isrequired. In designing packages, consideration needs to be given toautomatic, high-speed processing and compatibility with existingautomatic machinery.

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate theproblems of the prior art by providing a carton having a foldedcollapsible structure, which collapsible structure can be opened out anderected into a pocket to increase the load capacity of the carton.

SUMMARY

A first aspect of the invention provides a carton for packaging one ormore articles, having a plurality of panels defining walls of a chamberfor receiving at least one article. The plurality of panels comprises afirst panel and a second panel disposed in an overlapping relationshipto form a first wall of the carton. The carton comprises a collapsiblepocket comprising a plurality of pocket walls including a front wall,opposing side walls, base wall and a rear wall. At least one of theplurality of pocket walls may be coupled to one of the first and secondpanels by a frangible connection.

Optionally, the frangible connection comprises a tear initiation point.

Optionally, the at least one of the pocket walls comprises the frontwall of the pocket, the one of the first and second panels comprises thefirst panel, and the front wall is frangibly coupled to the first panelby the frangible connection.

Optionally, the at least one of the pocket walls comprises one of theopposing side walls of the pocket, the one of the first and secondpanels comprises the first panel, and the one of the opposing side wallsis frangibly coupled to the first panel by the frangible connection.

Optionally, each of the opposing side walls of the pocket passes throughan opening in the first wall of the carton and is moveable between afirst stowed position within the chamber and a second deployed positionwhere each of the opposing side walls at least partially is disposedoutside the chamber.

Optionally, the front wall of the pocket is frangibly connected to thefirst panel.

Optionally, one of the opposing side walls of the pocket is frangiblyconnected to the first panel.

Optionally, each of the opposing side walls of the pocket passes throughan opening in the first wall of the carton and is moveable between afirst stowed position within the chamber and a second deployed position.

Optionally, each of the opposing side walls comprises at least one endstop for limiting travel thereof.

Optionally, each of the opposing side walls of the pocket comprises asecuring flap hingedly connected thereto.

Optionally, each of the opposing side walls of the pocket comprises asecuring flap frangibly connected to the second panel.

Optionally, the base wall comprises a first panel hingedly connected toan end edge of the front wall of the pocket and a base wall securingflap struck at least in part from the second panel of the first wall.

Optionally, the base wall securing flap comprises a fold line and isfoldable about the fold line such that a first portion of the base wallsecuring flap is disposed in face to face contacting relationship with asecond portion of the base wall securing flap when the pocket is in adeployed condition.

Optionally, the base wall of the pocket comprises a first base panelhingedly connected to a first one of the opposing side walls, a secondbase panel hingedly connected to the front wall, a first web panelhingedly connecting the first and second base panels, a third base panelhingedly connected to a second one of the opposing side walls and asecond web panel hingedly connecting the second and third base panels.

Optionally, the second web panel is secured to the second base panel.

Optionally, one of the opposing side walls of the pocket is hingedlyconnected to the front wall along a first side edge of one of theopposing said side walls and is hingedly connected to a securing flapalong a second, opposing, side edge of said side walls.

Optionally, the carton comprises a securing tab frangibly connected tothe front wall.

Optionally, a securing tab is frangibly connected to the front wallalong an end edge of the front wall disposed adjacent to the hingedconnection between said one of the opposing side walls of the pocket andthe front wall.

A second aspect of the invention provides a blank for forming a carton.The blank comprises a plurality of panels for defining walls of achamber for receiving at least one article. The plurality of panels arearranged in a linear series hinged one to the next. The plurality ofpanels includes a first panel and a second panel for being disposed inan overlapping relationship to form a first wall of the carton. Theblank comprises a collapsible pocket structure; the pocket structurecomprises a plurality of pocket wall panels including a front wallpanel, opposing side wall panels, a base wall panel and a rear wallpanel. At least one of the plurality of pocket wall panels may becoupled to one of the first and second panels by a frangible connection.

A third aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising acollapsible pocket structure that is movable between a collapsed/stowedposition and an expanded position, a first code placed in part on thepocket structure and in part on the other part of the carton such thatthe first code is readable when the pocket structure is in thecollapsed/stowed position and such that the first code is unreadable, atleast in part, when the pocket structure is in the expanded position,and a second code placed on either the pocket structure or the otherpart of the carton such that the second code is hidden from view whenthe pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowed position and such thatthe second bar code is exposed to view when the pocket structure is inthe expanded position.

Optionally, the first and second codes are machine readable.

Optionally, the second code is obscured to prevent machine reading whenthe pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowed position and such thatthe second bar code is machine readable when the pocket structure is inthe expanded position.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising acollapsible pocket structure that is movable between a collapsed/stowedposition and an expanded position, a first code placed in part on thepocket structure and in part on the other part of the carton such thatthe first code is machine readable when the pocket structure is in thecollapsed/stowed position and such that the first code is machineunreadable, at least in part, when the pocket structure is in theexpanded position, and a second code placed on either the pocketstructure or the other part of the carton such that the second code ismachine unreadable when the pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowedposition and such that the second bar code is machine readable when thepocket structure is in the expanded position.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising acollapsible pocket structure that is movable between a collapsed/stowedposition and an expanded position, a first code provided at least inpart on the pocket structure such that the first code is machinereadable when the pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowed positionand a second code placed at least in part on the pocket structure suchthat the second code is machine unreadable when the pocket structure isin the collapsed/stowed position and such that the second bar code ismachine readable when the pocket structure is in the expanded position.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the variousaspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in thepreceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following descriptionand drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof.For example, features described in connection with one embodiment areapplicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility offeatures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 2 to 4 illustrate stages of construction of the blank of FIG. 1into a flat collapsed structure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG.1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 5, whereinthe collapsible pocket feature has been deployed and loaded withadditional articles;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 8 to 11 illustrate stages of construction of the blank of FIG. 7into a flat collapsed structure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG.7; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 12,wherein the collapsible pocket feature has been deployed and loaded withadditional articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks andcartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosedembodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects ofthe invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive listof all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, theword “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serveas illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will beunderstood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may beembodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are notnecessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimisedto show details of particular components. Well-known components,materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail inorder to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structuraland functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted aslimiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representativebasis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ theinvention.

Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a plan view of a blank 10 that can beassembled into a carton 90 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) which is capable ofaccepting an input of primary products such as, but not limited to,bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles A.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier”refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various featuresof the invention, to a container for engaging, carrying, and/ordispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated thatthe teachings of the invention can be applied to various productcontainers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.Exemplary containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass orplastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches,packets and the like.

The blanks 10, 110 are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It isto be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate”includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, Kraftboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, andthe like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanksmay be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carton 90,190 described in more detail below.

In the exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton90 optionally of the fully enclosed type, for packaging an exemplaryarrangement of exemplary articles. In a first illustrated exemplaryembodiment, the carton 90 is configured to accept articles in a maincompartment or chamber in a 2×3 matrix or array arrangement, andcomprises a pocket expandable to accept 3 additional articles in a 1×3matrix or array arrangement; and the articles are 25 cl aluminium cans.In a second illustrated exemplary embodiment, the carton 190 isconfigured to accept articles in a main compartment in a 2×3 matrix orarray arrangement, and comprises a pocket expandable to accept 2additional articles in a 1×2 matrix or array arrangement. The blanks 10,110 can be alternatively configured to form a carrier for packagingother types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles ina different arrangement or configuration.

Referring back to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the blank 10 comprises aplurality of main panels, optionally arranged in a linear series, thatform enclosing walls of the carton 90. Optionally, the series of mainpanels includes: a first outer side panel 12, a top panel 14, a secondside panel 16, a bottom panel 18 and a first inner side panel 20. Thefirst outer panel 12, top panel 14, second side panel 16, bottom panel18 and first inner side panel 20 are hinged together in series by foldlines 13, 15, 17 and 19 respectively. A pocket base panel 36 is hingedto the first outer side panel 12 by a fold line 35.

A first series of end flaps is provided at a first end of the blank 10.The first series of end flaps includes: a first end flap 22 a, hinged bya fold line 21 a to a first end of the first outer side panel 12; asecond end flap 24 a, hinged by a fold line 23 a to a first end of thetop panel 14; a third end flap 26 a, hinged by a fold line 25 a to afirst end of the second side panel 16; and a fourth end flap 28 a,hinged by a fold line 27 a to a first end of the bottom panel 18. Inuse, the first, second, third and fourth end flaps 22 a, 24 a, 26 a, 28a form a first end wall 22 a/24 a/26 a/28 a of the carton 90.

A second series of end flaps is provided at a second end of the blank10. The second series of end flaps includes: a fifth end flap 22 b,hinged by a fold line 21 b to a second end of the first outer side panel12; a sixth end flap 24 b, hinged by a fold line 23 b to a second end ofthe top panel 14; a seventh end flap 26 b, hinged by a fold line 25 b toa second end of the second side panel 16; and an eighth end flap 28 b,hinged by a fold line 27 b to a second end of the bottom panel 18. Inuse, the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth end flaps 22 b, 24 b, 26 b, 28b form a second end wall 22 b/24 b/26 b/28 b of the carton 90.

The blank 10 comprises a collapsible pocket feature P (see FIG. 6) whichcan be expanded to increase the load capacity of the carton 90.

The pocket feature P is formed in part in the first outer side panel 12and in part in the first inner side panel 20.

The first outer side panel 12 comprises a front wall 30 of the pocketfeature P. The front wall 30 is struck from the first outer side panel12 and is defined in part by a first cutline 29 e, a second cutline 29d, a third cutline 29 c, a fourth cut line 29 b and a weakened line ofseverance 29 a. Weakened line of severance 29 a comprises at least onefrangible connection F; in the illustrated embodiment six frangibleconnections F are provided. The weakened line of severance 29 a isinterrupted by an aperture A1. The aperture A1 forms a tear initiationpoint for a user to sever the weakened line of severance 29 a and deploythe pocket feature P.

The front wall 30 is substantially “T” shaped. The front wall 30 extendsacross the first outer side panel 12 from a first edge defined by foldline 21 a to a second edge defined by fold line 21 b. Third cutline 29 cis collinear with fold line 21 a and fourth cut line 29 b is collinearwith fold line 21 b. The pocket base panel 36 is hinged to the frontwall 30 by fold line 35. Optionally, the front wall 30 comprises a firstfold line 31 and a second fold line 33. First fold line 31 defines inpart an optional first bevel panel 32 and second fold line 33 defines inpart an optional second bevel panel 34.

The first inner side panel 20 comprises a securing flap 40, configuredto be secured to the pocket base panel 36. The securing flap 40comprises a fold line 41 which defines in part a first portion 42 forbeing secured to the pocket base panel 36.

The first inner side panel 20 comprises a second securing flap 46 a anda third securing flap 46 b. The second securing flap 46 a is hingedlyconnected to a first pocket side panel 44 a by a fold line 43 a. Thesecond securing flap 46 a is defined in part by severable line 47 adefined in the first inner side panel 20, such that the second securingflap 46 a and the first pocket side panel 44 a are detachable from thefirst inner side panel 20. The third securing flap 46 b is hingedlyconnected to a second pocket side panel 44 b by a fold line 43 b. Thethird securing flap 46 b is defined in part by severable line 47 bdefined in the first inner side panel 20 such that the third securingflap 46 b and the second pocket side panel 44 b are detachable from thefirst inner side panel 20.

The first pocket side panel 44 a comprises a pair of tabs 50 a extendingfrom opposing side edges. The tabs 50 a are disposed proximate a freeend edge of the first pocket side panel 44 a. Each of the tabs 50 aprovides a shoulder each having an engagement edge 51 a. The engagementedges 51 a define end stops limiting the travel of the first and secondpocket side panels 44 a, 44 b.

Optionally, the bottom panel 18 comprises an opening A2, which exposesto view a portion of one or more articles disposed therein.

The blank 10 in FIG. 1 is shown with an inside surface (sometimes withbleached paperboard, referred to as the “brown side”) facing outwards.

To form a part-assembled, flat-form structure as shown in FIG. 4, thebottom panel 18 and first inner side panel 20 are folded about fold line17, as indicated by direction arrow D1 in FIG. 2, into face contactingrelationship with the second side panel 16 and the top panel 14respectively.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first, second andthird securing flaps 40, 46 a, 46 b and to the first inner side panel20.

The pocket base panel 36 is folded about fold line 35, as indicated bydirection arrow D2 in FIG. 3, into face contacting relationship with thefirst outer side panel 12.

The blank 10 is then folded about fold line 13, as indicated bydirection arrow D3 in FIG. 4, to bring the first outer side panel 12into overlapping relationship with the first inner side panel 20. Thefirst outer side panel 12 is secured to the first inner side panel 20.The pocket base panel 36 is brought into face contacting relationshipwith the first securing flap 40. The pocket base panel 36 is secured tothe first securing flap 40.

The resulting structure is a part-assembled, flat-form carton as shownin FIG. 4. The part-assembled, flat-form carton can be readily shippedor distributed in its flat form.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the weakened line of severance 29 a maintainsa temporary connection between the front wall 30 of the pocket feature Pand the adjacent portion of the first outer side panel 12. In this way,the carton 90 is less likely to become caught up on parts of themachinery used in the processing and assembly of the blanks and theprocessing and filling of the cartons. This may beneficially mitigateagainst significant down-time of machinery which can otherwise beexperienced when jutting out portions of blanks or part-assembledcartons become caught or jammed in the machinery.

When it is required to complete the construction of the carton 90, thepart-assembled, flat-form carton can be opened out (optionally bypulling the first side panel 12/20 upwardly and away from the top panel14).

The carton 90 is then erected to form a tubular structure open at bothends; the carton 90 can then be loaded with articles A through the oneor both open ends.

To close the first open end, the first and third end flaps 22 a, 26 a,which form minor end flaps or dust flaps, are folded inwardly about foldlines 21 a, 25 a. The second end flap 24 a is folded downwardly aboutfold line 23 a. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to thesecond end flap 24 a or to the fourth end flap 28 a. The fourth end flap28 a is folded upwardly about fold line 27 a and secured to the secondend flap 24 a.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first andthird end flaps 22 a, 26 a so as to secure them to one or both of thesecond and fourth end flaps 24 a, 28 a.

To close the second open end, the fifth and seventh end flaps 22 b, 26b, which form minor end flaps or dust flaps, are folded inwardly aboutfold lines 21 b, 25 b. The sixth end flap 24 b is folded downwardlyabout fold line 23 b. Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to thesixth end flap 24 b or to the eighth end flap 28 b. The eighth end flap28 b is folded upwardly about fold line 27 b and secured to the sixthend flap 24 b.

Optionally, glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to the fifth andseventh end flaps 22 b, 26 b so as to secure them to one or both of thesixth and eighth end flaps 24 b, 28 b.

The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIG. 5. The pocket feature P isstowed in a collapsed form in a first stowed position.

The pocket feature P can be deployed to an expanded condition as shownin FIG. 6. A user can engage the front wall panel 30 via the aperture A1and pull the front wall panel 30 away from the first inner side wall 20,as indicated by direction arrow D4 in FIG. 6. The pocket feature P inthe deployed condition can receive one or more articles A. In theillustrated embodiment the pocket feature P receives three additionalarticles A similar to those disposed within the main carton compartment.

When the pocket feature P is deployed the second and third securingflaps 46 a, 46 b are separated from the first inner side panel 20 bysevering the weakened lines 47 a, 47 b. The first and second pocket sidewalls 44 a, 44 b are linearly translatable or moveable within respectiveopenings O defined in the composite side wall 12/20; that is to say, thefirst and second pocket side walls 44 a, 44 b may be slid within therespective openings defined in the composite side wall 12/20. Thecomposite side wall 12/20 is formed from the first inner and first outerside panels 12, 20. The openings are defined in part by a respective oneof the cut lines 29 c, 29 b and in part by a respective one of theseverable lines 47 a, 47 b. The tabs 50 a/50 b provide end stopspreventing the first and second pocket side walls 44 a, 44 b being fullywithdrawn through the respective one of the opening in the compositeside wall 12/20. When the pocket feature P is in the second deployedposition each of the opposing side walls is at least partially disposedoutside the main carton compartment or chamber.

The base wall 36/40 is simultaneously erected as the first and secondpocket side walls 44 a, 44 b are drawn through the respective one of theopenings in the composite side wall 12/20.

The pocket base panel 36 is unfolded about fold line 35 so as to besubstantially perpendicular to the front wall panel 30. The firstsecuring flap 40 is unfolded about fold line 39, which is optionallycollinear with fold line 19. The first securing flap 40 is folded aboutfold line 41 so as to bring an inner surface of the first portion 42into face to face relationship with the other portion of the firstsecuring flap 40.

The frangible connections F are destroyed when the pocket feature P isfirst deployed. However, it will be appreciated that the pocket featureP can be returned to the stowed condition if desired.

Optionally, the carton 90 may comprise a first indicia 92. The firstindicia 92 is provided on the composite side wall 12/20. A first portion98 of the first indicia 92 is provided on the at least one of the firstbevel panel 32, front wall panel 30 and second bevel panel 34. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 the first portion 98 of thefirst indicia 92 is provided in part on the front wall panel 30 and inpart on the second bevel panel 34. A second portion 96 of the firstindicia 92 is provided on a region of the first outer side panel 12adjacent to the front wall panel 30 and in part on the second bevelpanel 34. The first indicia 92 is therefore provided on both sides ofthe weakened line of severance 29 a. The first indicia 92 is optionallyprovided on both sides of the fold line 33. In other embodiments, thefirst indicia 92 may be provided on both sides of fold line 31. In stillother embodiments the first portion 98 of the first indicia 92 may beprovided only on one of the first bevel panel 32, front wall panel 30and second bevel panel 34.

The first indicia 92 may contain information characteristic of thepackage 90 when the pocket feature P is in the stowed condition. Forexample, but not limited to, the information may relate to the salesprice of the package 90 the pocket feature P is in the stowed condition.

The information provided on the indicia may directly indicate the salesprice or may contain a code which identifies the package 90. The codemay be associated with pricing information in a point of sale system orcomputer. For example, the code may take the form of a barcode symbolsuch as Universal Product Code (UPC). Optionally, the code may bemachine readable by for example, but not limited to, optical scanningsuch as a barcode, the barcode may be linear or one-dimensional in whichdata is represented by varying the width and spacing of parallel linesor may two-dimensional codes or matrix barcodes for example employingrectangles, dots, hexagons and/or other geometric patterns in twodimensions.

When the pocket feature P is deployed the first indicia 92 may beseparated into two or more parts which are spaced apart from oneanother.

When the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition the first indicia92 may be altered so as to indicate that the information provided is nolonger applicable or to be used.

When the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition the first indicia92 may be damaged or destroyed such that is becomes unusable orunreadable.

At least a portion of the first indicia 92 may be obscured from viewwhen the pocket feature P is loaded with additional articles A.

In further alternative embodiments the first indicia 92 may be providedin alternative locations. A first alternative location 93 and a secondalternative location 94 are shown in FIG. 5. In the first alternativelocation 93 the first indicia is provided in part on the first outerside panel 12 and in part on the first bevel panel 32 and in part on thefront wall panel 30, however it will be appreciated that the firstindicia may be disposed in part on the first outer side panel 12 and inpart on only one of the first bevel panel 32 and the front wall panel30.

In the second alternative location 94 the first indicia is provided inpart on the first outer side panel 12 and in part on the second bevelpanel 34 and in part on the front wall panel 30, however it will beappreciated that the first indicia may be disposed in part on the firstouter side panel 12 and in part on only one of the second bevel panel 34and the front wall panel 30.

The carton 90 may comprise a second indicia 99 as shown in FIG. 6. Thesecond indicia 99 is visible when the pocket feature P is deployed. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 6 the second indicia is provided or located uponthe first pocket side wall panel 44 a. The second indicia 99 becomesexposed to view when the pocket feature is deployed. In the illustratedembodiment this is achieved when the first pocket side wall panel 44 ais moved from a first position in which it is disposed internally of themain carton compartment to a second position in which a portion of thefirst pocket side wall panel 44 a is disposed externally of the maincarton compartment. In other embodiments the second indicia 99 may beprovided additionally or alternatively upon a region of the secondpocket side wall panel 44 b which becomes disposed external to the maincompartment of the carton 90 when the pocket feature P is deployed. Instill other embodiments the second indicia 99 may be provided upon thebase wall panel 40 or portion of the securing flap 40.

The second indicia 99 may contain information characteristic of thepackage 90 when the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition. Forexample, but not limited to, the information may relate to the salesprice of the package 90 when the pocket feature P is in the deployedcondition. The information provided on the second indicia 99 maydirectly indicate the sales price or may contain a code which identifiesor is indicative of the pocket feature P as being in the deployedcondition.

In this way the package 90 may comprise two different product or pricecodes such that a point of sale system determines the correct sale priceand consequently the state (stowed or deployed) in which the package maybe determined.

The first and second indicia 92, 99 may be printed directly upon thematerial substrate forming the carton 90 or may be provided on aseparate label or other printed material. When a separate label isemployed the label may be secured adhesively to the carton 90. In thecase where a label is employed for providing the first indicia 92 thelabel may comprise a perforated line or be otherwise weakened such thatit is divisible into at least two parts when the pocket featuresdeployed. The label may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to,the weakened line of severance 29 a and the frangible connections F forholding the pocket feature P in the stowed condition. The label may beapplied to portion of the first outer side panel 12 and to a portion ofat least one of the first bevel panel 32, the second bevel panel 34 andthe front wall panel 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 13, there is shown an additional embodimentof the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment likenumerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeitwith the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these featuresbelong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares manycommon features with the previous embodiment and therefore only thedifferences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 will bedescribed in detail.

Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the blank 110 comprises anoptional linear series of main panels that form enclosing walls of thecarton 190. Optionally, the series of main panels includes: a firstouter side panel 112, a top panel 114, a second side panel 116, a bottompanel 118 and a first inner side panel 120. The first outer panel 112,top panel 114, second side panel 116, bottom panel 118 and first innerside panel 120 are hinged together in series by fold lines 113, 115, 117and 119 respectively.

A first series of end flaps is provided at a first end of the blank 110.The first series of end flaps includes: a first end flap 122 a, hingedby a fold line 121 a to a first end of the first outer side panel 112; asecond end flap 124 a, hinged by a fold line 123 a to a first end of thetop panel 114; a third end flap 126 a, hinged by a fold line 125 a to afirst end of the second side panel 116; and a fourth end flap 128 a,hinged by a fold line 127 a to a first end of the bottom panel 118. Thefirst series of end flaps 122 a, 124 a, 126 a, 128 a includes anadditional end flap. A first inner end flap 160 a is hinged to a firstend of the first inner side panel 120. A plurality of apertures A3define a hinged connection between the first inner end flap 160 a andthe first inner side panel 120.

In use the first, second, third, fourth and first inner end flaps 122 a,124 a, 126 a, 128 a, 160 a form a first end wall 122 a/124 a/126 a/128a/160 a of the carton 190.

A second series of end flaps is provided at a second end of the blank110. The second series of end flaps includes: a fifth end flap 122 b,hinged by a fold line 121 b to a second end of the first inner sidepanel 112; a sixth end flap 124 b, hinged by a fold line 123 b to asecond end of the top panel 114; a seventh end flap 126 b, hinged by afold line 125 b to a second end of the second side panel 116; and aneighth end flap 128 b, hinged by a fold line 127 b to a second end ofthe bottom panel 118. The second series of end flaps includes a furtheradditional end flap. A fifth inner end flap 160 b is hinged by a foldline 161 b to a second end of the first inner side panel 120.

In use, the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and fifth inner end flaps 122b, 124 b, 126 b, 128 b, 160 b form a second end wall 122 b/124 b/126b/128 b/160 b of the carton 190.

The blank 110 comprises an alternative collapsible pocket feature P (seeFIG. 13) which can be expanded to increase the load capacity of thecarton 190.

The pocket feature P is formed in part from the first outer side panel112 and in part from the first inner side panel 120.

The pocket feature P comprises a front wall panel 130 struck from thefirst outer side panel 112; a first pocket side wall 132 struck from thefirst outer side panel 112; and a second pocket side wall 134 struckfrom the fifth end closure flap 122 b. The first pocket side wall 132 ishingedly connected to the front wall panel 130 by a fold line 131. Thefirst pocket side wall 132 is hingedly connected to the blank 110 by ahinged connection, optionally to the first end closure flap 122 a by afold line 137. The second pocket side wall 134 is hingedly connected tothe front wall panel 130 by a fold line 133. A securing flap 164 ishingedly connected to the second pocket side wall 134 by a fold line165. Optionally, the fold line 165 is interrupted by a cut line 167.

The first pocket side wall 132 and the front wall panel 130 areseverably connected to an upper portion of the first inner side panel112 by a severable line 129 a comprising a plurality of frangibleconnection points F. The severable line 129 a may be interrupted by anaperture A1 so as to define a tear initiation point.

A pocket base panel structure 170, comprising a plurality of base panels172, 174,176, 178, 182, is hinged in part to the first outer side panel112 by fold lines 173,183 and in part to the sixth end flap 122 b byfold line 187. The pocket base panel structure 170 comprises a firstbase panel 172 hinged to the first pocket side wall 132 by a hingedconnection in the form of a fold line 173. A second base panel 174 ishinged to the first base panel 172 by a fold line 175. Fold line 175 isinterrupted by an aperture A4 which partially separates the first andsecond base panels 172,174. A third base panel 176 is hinged to thefront wall panel 130 by a fold line 183. The second base panel 174 ishinged to the third base panel 176 by a fold line 177. Fold line 177 isobliquely arranged with respect to fold line 183 and intersects the foldline 183 at a first end thereof. Third base panel 176 is hingedlyconnected to a fourth base panel 178 by a fold line 179. A fifth basepanel 182 is hinged to the second pocket side wall 134 by a fold line187. The fifth base panel 182 is hinged to the fourth base panel 178 bya fold line 181. Fold line 181 is obliquely arranged with respect tofold line 187. Optionally, fold line 181 is interrupted by a cutline189. Cutline 189 may be substantially semi-circular in shape. Cutline189 defines at least in part a securing tab T integrally formed with thefourth base panel 178 and struck from the fifth base panel 182.

The second and fourth base panels 174,178 form first and second webpanels respectively. The first web panel hingedly connects the firstbase panel 172 to the third base panel 176. The second web panelhingedly connects the third base panel 176 to the fifth base panel 182.

Fold line 179 is interrupted by an aperture A5; aperture A5 separates,at least in part, the fourth and fifth base panels 178, 182 from thirdbase panel 176.

A second securing tab 180 is frangibly connected to the front wall panel130 by a severable line 185. The second securing tab 180 extends intothe aperture A5, such that the aperture A5 defines a free end edge and apair of opposing free side edges of the second securing tab 180.

Optionally, the blank 110 comprise a tab 162 defined in part by anonlinear cutline 163; the cutline 163 may be “U” shaped. The cutline163 is arranged such that the tab 162 interrupts the fold line 119between the bottom panel 118 and the first inner side wall panel 120.The tab 162 may provide a catch or ledge for limiting travel of thepocket base panel structure 170 by engaging with one of the plurality ofbase panels 172, 174,176, 178, 182.

Turning to the construction of the carrier 190 from the blank 110, thecarrier 190 may be formed by a series of sequential folding operationsin a straight line machine so that the carrier 190 may not be requiredto be inverted to complete its construction.

To form a part-assembled, flat-form structure as shown in FIG. 11, thefirst, second, third, fourth and fifth base panels 172, 174, 176, 178are folded about fold lines 173, 183, 187, as indicated by directionarrow D5 in FIG. 8, into face contacting relationship with the firstpocket side wall panel 132, front wall panel 130 and second pocket sidewall panel 134 respectively.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the third base panel176 or alternatively to the fourth base panel 178.

The blank 110 is folded about fold line 133, as indicated by directionarrow D6, such that the securing flap 164 is brought into overlyingrelationship with the second and third base panels 174, 176 and thesecond pocket side wall panel 134 is in overlying relationship with thethird base panel 176 and the front wall panel 130. The fourth base panel178 is brought into face contacting relationship with the third basepanel 176 and is secured thereto as shown in FIG. 9.

The blank 110 is folded about fold line 117, as indicated by directionarrow D7, such that the first inner side panel 120 is brought intooverlapping relationship with the top panel 114 and the base panel 118is brought into overlapping relationship with the second side panel 116.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the first inner sidepanel 120, to the first inner end flap 160 a and to the fifth inner endclosure flap 160 b or alternatively to the fourth base panel 178 asshown in FIG. 10.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to the bottom panel 118.

The blank 110 is folded about fold line 113, as indicated by directionarrow D8, such that the first outer side panel 112 is brought intooverlapping relationship with the first inner side panel 120 and the toppanel 114. The first outer side panel 112 is brought into face to facecontacting relationship with the first inner side panel 120 and issecured thereto.

The second securing tab 180 is secured to the bottom panel 118.

The resulting structure is a part-assembled, flat-form carton as shownin FIG. 11. The part-assembled, flat-form carton can be readily shippedor distributed in its flat form.

The carton 190 can be erected and loaded in similar manner to thatdescribed above in relation to the first embodiment of FIG. 1 so as toform the package illustrated in FIG. 12. The package comprises theerected carton 190 and one or more articles disposed therein.

The assembled carton 190 is shown in FIG. 12; the pocket feature P isstowed in a collapsed form.

The pocket feature P can be deployed to an expanded condition as shownin FIG. 13. A user can engage the front wall panel 130 via the apertureA1 and pull the front wall panel 130 away from the first inner side wall120, as indicated by direction arrow D9 in FIG. 13. The pocket feature Pwhen in the deployed condition can receive one or more articles A. Inthe illustrated embodiment the pocket feature receives two additionalarticles A similar to those disposed within the main compartment of thecarton 190.

When the pocket feature P is deployed the first and second pocket sidewalls 132, 134 are brought into substantially perpendicular arrangementwith the first inner side panel 120 by folding about fold lines 137 and167 respectively.

The pocket base panel structure 170, comprising a plurality of basepanels 172, 174, 176, 178, 182, is simultaneously erected as the frontwall panel is separated from the first inner side panel 120.

The pocket base panel structure 170 is folded such that in the erectedcondition the second base panel 174 is disposed between the first andthird base panels 172, 176. The fourth base panel 178 is disposedbetween the third and fifth base panels 176, 182. When the pocketfeature P is deployed the blank 110 is folded about fold lines 175, 177,179 and 181.

The frangible connections F and the severable line 185 are destroyed orsevered when the pocket feature P is first deployed. However, it will beappreciated that the pocket feature P can be returned to the stowedcondition if desired.

The first inner side wall panel 120 provides a rear wall of the pocketfeature P.

Optionally, the carton 190 may comprise a first indicia 192, the firstindicia 192 is provided on the composite side wall 112/120. A firstportion 198 of the first indicia 192 is provided on at least one of thefirst pocket side wall 132 and the front wall panel 130. In theembodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 the first portion 198 of thefirst indicia 192 is provided on first pocket side wall 132. A secondportion 196 of the first indicia 192 is provided on a region of thefirst outer side panel 112 adjacent to the first pocket side wall 132.The first indicia 192 is therefore provided on both sides of theseverable line 129 a. The first portion 198 of the first indicia 192 isoptionally provided on both the first pocket side wall 132 and the frontwall panel 130 so as to be disposed on both sides of the fold line 131.In still other embodiments the first portion 198 of the first indicia192 may be provided only on the front wall panel 130.

The first indicia 192 may contain information characteristic of thepackage 90 when the pocket feature P is in the stowed condition. Forexample, but not limited to, the information may be indicative of thesales price, it may be a first product code which can be employed todetermine the sales price of the package 190 when the pocket feature Pis in the stowed condition.

When the pocket feature P is deployed the first indicia 192 may beseparated into two parts which are spaced apart from one another.

When the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition the first indicia192 may be altered so as to indicate that the information provided is nolonger applicable or to be used.

When the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition the first indicia92 may be damaged or destroyed such that is becomes unusable orunreadable.

At least a portion of the first indicia 192 may be obscured from viewwhen the pocket feature P is loaded with additional articles A.

The carton 190 may comprise a second indicia 199 as shown in FIG. 13.The second indicia 199 is visible when the pocket feature P is deployed.In the embodiment of FIG. 13 the second indicia 199 is provided orlocated upon the first inner side panel 120. The second indicia 199becomes exposed to view when the pocket feature P is deployed. In theillustrated embodiment this is achieved when the second pocket side wallpanel 134 is folded away from the first inner side panel 120. In otherembodiments the second indicia 199 may be provided additionally oralternatively upon a region of the second pocket side wall panel 134which becomes exposed to view when the pocket feature P is deployed. Instill other embodiments the second indicia 99 may be provided upon oneor more of the plurality of base panels 172, 174,176, 178, 182.

The second indicia 199 may contain information characteristic of thepackage 190 when the pocket feature P is in the deployed condition. Forexample, but not limited to, the information may be indicative of thesales price, it may be a second product code which can be employed todetermine the sales price of the package 190 when the pocket feature Pis in the deployed condition. The information provided on the secondindicia 199 may directly indicate the sales price or may contain a codewhich identifies or is indicative of the fact that the pocket feature Pis in the deployed condition.

In this way the package 190 may comprise two different product or pricecodes such that a point of sale system determines the correct sale priceand consequently the state (stowed or deployed) in which the package maybe determined.

The first and second indicia 192, 199 may be printed directly upon thematerial substrate forming the carton 190 or may be provided on aseparate label or other printed material. When a separate label isemployed the label may be secured adhesively to the carton 190. In thecase where a label is employed for providing the first indicia 192 thelabel may comprise a perforated line or be otherwise weakened such thatit is divisible into at least two parts when the pocket featuresdeployed. The label may be used in addition to, or as an alternative to,the severable line 129 a and the frangible connections F for holding thepocket feature P in the stowed condition. The label may be applied toportion of the first outer side panel 12 and to a portion of at leastone of the first pocket side wall 32 and the front wall panel 30. Thelabel may be applied to portion of the front wall panel 30 and to aportion of at least one end closure panels 160 b, 128 b, 124 b, 122 b,126 b for closing the second end of the carton 190.

The present disclosure provides a carton for packaging one or morearticles having a plurality of panels defining the walls of a primarychamber for receiving at least one article. The plurality of panels maybe arranged as a linear series hingedly connected one to the next. Theplurality of panels includes a first panel and a second panel disposedin at least a partially overlapping relationship to form a first wall ofthe carton. The carton comprises a collapsible pocket defined by aplurality of pocket walls including a front wall and opposing sidewalls, base wall and a rear wall and defining a secondary chamber. Atleast one of the plurality of pocket walls is severably coupled to oneof the first and second panels by a frangible connection. The pocket canbe deployed and accessed without requiring access to the primarychamber. Articles can be loaded and removed from the secondary chamberwithout interaction with the primary chamber. The base wall of thepocket may be automatically formed when the pocket is deployed.Advantageously, the carton is formed from a single unitary blank. Thepocket is formed from a pair of overlapping panels which form acomposite wall of the primary chamber such that the number of gluingstages is reduced. The construction of the pocket can be carried out aspart of the construction of a flat collapsed tubular structure, the flatcollapsed tubular structure forming walls of the primary chamber.

The base wall of the pocket is disposed between the first and secondpanels when in a collapsed or stowed condition.

The carton can be readily assembled in a packaging machine. The pocketis held securely by the frangible connection such that the carton may beshipped in a flat collapsed form to a convertor plant in which thecarton is erected and loaded. The pocket may remain in a flat collapsedform, the carton having one or more primary product containers in theprimary chamber; the carton may be shipped in this form to a point ofsale. A consumer or retailer may deploy the pocket and load thesecondary chamber with additional primary product containers as desired.

The present disclosure provides a carton comprising a collapsible pocketstructure that is movable between a collapsed/stowed position and anexpanded position. A first code is placed in part on the pocketstructure and in part on the other part of the carton such that thefirst code is machine readable when the pocket structure is in thecollapsed/stowed position and such that the first code is machineunreadable, at least in part, when the pocket structure is in theexpanded position. A second code is placed on either the pocketstructure or the other part of the carton such that the second code ismachine unreadable when the pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowedposition and such that the second code is machine readable when thepocket structure is in the expanded position.

It will be appreciated that the first and second codes may be arrangedsuch that the first code is only readable when in the stowed positionand the second code is only readable when in the deployed position.

In some embodiments the first and second indicia may be provided by twolayers disposed in overlapping relationship, an inner layer may beprovided by the first inner side panel 20, 120 and an outer layer may beprovided by the first outer side panel 12, 112.

The outermost layer of the first indicia may be translucent ortransparent at least in part, when the inner most layer is disposed inclose proximity to the outermost layer the first indicia displays acomplete code or information which is readable by eye or by a machine.

The outermost layer of the second indicia may be translucent ortransparent at least in part, when the inner most layer is spaced awayfrom the outermost layer the second indicia displays a complete code orinformation which is readable by eye or by a machine. When the innermost layer is disposed in close proximity to the outermost layer thecode or information provided on the second indicia is unreadable orotherwise unintelligible by eye or machine reading.

In still other embodiments the inner and outer layers (the outer layerbeing translucent or transparent at least in part) may be arranged suchthat when the inner most layer is disposed in close proximity to theoutermost layer the indicia displays a first code or information setwhich is readable by eye or by a machine and when the inner most layeris spaced away from the outermost layer the indicia displays a second,different code or information set is readable by eye or by a machine. Inthis way the first and second indicia may be provided in registry witheach other.

The first code or indicia may be defined by a superposition orcombination of the inner and outer layers whereas the second code orindicia may be provided by the outer layer only.

In still other embodiments the pocket feature P may comprise a window oraperture in the front wall panel 30, 130 and/or in the first or secondbevel panels 32, 34. The first indicia 92, 192 may be provided on aportion of the first inner side panel 20, 120 in registry with thewindow so as to be readable when the pocket feature is in the stowedposition. In the deployed condition the first indicia 92, 192 may beobscured for example by articles A disposed within the pocket feature P.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scopeof the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panelsand apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing sizeor shape.

It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references suchas “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”,“outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respectivepanels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish thesepanels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer toall manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitatefolding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwiseindicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to“hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring toa single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed fromtwo or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may beeither straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear foldlines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with eachother or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinearfold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other todefine a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear foldlines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pairof arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such thatthey define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may beformed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinearfold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise acombination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold linewhich intersect at two points such that they define a half moon-shapedpanel therebetween.

As used herein, the terms “severance line”, “weakened line”, and“frangible line” refer to all manner of lines that facilitate separatingportions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimalseparation locations. Severance lines may be frangible or otherwiseweakened lines, tear lines, cut lines, or slits.

As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following:a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line ofperforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a singlehalf-cut, an interrupted cut line, a line of aligned slits, a line ofscores and any combination of the aforesaid options.

It should be understood that hinged connections and fold lines can eachinclude elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank includingperforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line ofhalf-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line,slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements canbe dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. Forexample, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed withdegrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. Theline of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resistbreaking, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with moreeffort, or to facilitate breaking with little effort.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment oftwo or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed ina first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in asecond of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with eachother may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thicknessof the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a firstpanel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that isplaced in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge ofthe aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of thesecond aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness ofthe first and second panels, with the second aperture.

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles, having a plurality ofpanels defining walls of a chamber for receiving at least one article,the plurality of panels comprising a first panel and a second paneldisposed in an overlapping relationship to form a first wall of thecarton, the carton comprising a collapsible pocket comprising aplurality of pocket walls including a front wall, opposing side walls, abase wall and a rear wall, at least one of the pocket walls beingcoupled to one of the first and second panels by a frangible connection.2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the frangible connectioncomprises a tear initiation point.
 3. A carton according to claim 1wherein the at least one of the pocket walls comprises the front wall ofthe pocket, the one of the first and second panels comprises the firstpanel, and the front wall is frangibly coupled to the first panel by thefrangible connection.
 4. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the atleast one of the pocket walls comprises one of the opposing side wallsof the pocket, the one of the first and second panels comprises thefirst panel, and the one of the opposing side walls is frangibly coupledto the first panel by the frangible connection.
 5. A carton according toclaim 1 wherein each of the opposing side walls of the pocket passesthrough an opening in the first wall of the carton and is moveablebetween a first stowed position within the chamber and a second deployedposition where the each of the opposing side walls at least partially isdisposed outside the chamber.
 6. A carton according to claim 5 whereineach of the opposing side walls comprises at least one end stop forlimiting travel thereof.
 7. A carton according to claim 5 wherein eachof the opposing side walls of the pocket comprises a securing flaphingedly connected thereto.
 8. A carton according to claim 5 whereineach of the opposing side walls of the pocket comprises a securing flapfrangibly connected to the second panel.
 9. A carton according to claim1 wherein the base wall comprises a first panel hingedly connected to anend edge of the front wall of the pocket and a base wall securing flapstruck at least in part from the second panel of the first wall.
 10. Acarton according to claim 9 wherein the base wall securing flapcomprises a fold line and is foldable about the fold line such that afirst portion of the base wall securing flap is disposed in face to facecontacting relationship with a second portion of the base wall securingflap when the pocket is in a deployed condition.
 11. A carton accordingto claim 1 wherein the base wall of the pocket comprises a first basepanel hingedly connected to a first one of the opposing side walls, asecond base panel hingedly connected to the front wall, a first webpanel hingedly connecting the first and second base panels, a third basepanel hingedly connected to a second one of the opposing side walls anda second web panel hingedly connecting the second and third base panels.12. A carton according to claim 11 wherein the second web panel issecured to the second base panel.
 13. A carton according to claim 1wherein one of the opposing side walls of the pocket is hingedlyconnected to the front wall along a first side edge of said one of theopposing side walls and is hingedly connected to a securing flap along asecond, opposing side edge of said one of the side walls.
 14. A cartonaccording to claim 1 comprising a securing tab frangibly connected tothe front wall.
 15. A carton according to claim 11 comprising a securingtab frangibly connected to the front wall along an end edge of the frontwall disposed adjacent to the hinged connection between said one of theopposing side walls of the pocket and the front wall.
 16. A blank forforming a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels fordefining walls of a chamber for receiving at least one article, theplurality of panels arranged in a linear series hinged one to the next,the plurality of panels including a first panel and a second panel forbeing disposed in an overlapping relationship to form a first wall ofthe carton, the blank comprising a collapsible pocket structure, thepocket structure comprising a plurality of pocket wall panels includinga front wall panel, opposing side wall panels, a base wall panel and arear wall panel, at least one of the plurality of pocket wall panelsbeing coupled to one of the first and second panels by a frangibleconnection.
 17. A carton comprising a collapsible pocket structure thatis movable between a collapsed/stowed position and an expanded position,a first code placed in part on the pocket structure and in part on theother part of the carton such that the first code is readable when thepocket structure is in the collapsed/stowed position and such that thefirst code is unreadable, at least in part, when the pocket structure isin the expanded position, and a second code placed on either the pocketstructure or the other part of the carton such that the second code ishidden from view when the pocket structure is in the collapsed/stowedposition and such that the second bar code is exposed to view when thepocket structure is in the expanded position.
 18. A carton according toclaim 17 wherein the first and second codes are machine readable.
 19. Acarton according to claim 17 wherein the second code is obscured toprevent machine reading when the pocket structure is in thecollapsed/stowed position and such that the second bar code is machinereadable when the pocket structure is in the expanded position. 20.(canceled)
 21. (canceled)